Chinese netizens discover the United States

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Chinese internet opinion leaders meet Governor McAuliffe and major press organizations through program with the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Press Center.

In late November, Meridian International Center and the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Press Center warmly received a cohort of ten Chinese “netizens” (a portmanteau of “internet” and “citizens”) who displayed a deft awareness for the power of the blogosphere.

The netizens expressed their appreciation and satisfaction with what they all agreed was a very well designed and relevant program.  They were particularly pleased that they were able to participate in such a wide range of activities; saying that the visit did much to increase their understanding of the United States and both the differences and similarities between the two countries. Continue  

Panda Diplomacy & Citizen Diplomats – Key Highlights of The First Lady’s Recent Visit to China

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First Lady Michelle Obama - State Visit to China - March 2014

U.S.-Chinese relations took an unusual turn last week as Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States, travelled to Beijing, Chengdu, and Xi’an as part of a goodwill visit to the People’s Republic of China. Trip highlights included playing ping pong with Beijing high school students; touring the Forbidden City with Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping; exploring the Great Wall with her daughters; and promoting her “Let’s Move!” campaign by practicing tai chi and jumping rope with Chinese youth. On their last day in China, the Obama girls made a special trip to visit one of the...

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In the Works: Meridian’s Upcoming Exhibition on U.S.-China Relations

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President Jimmy Carter, President Richard Nixon, and Vice Premier Deng 1979

On January 29, 1979, President Jimmy Carter, President Richard Nixon, and Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping commemorated the beginning of a new era in U.S.-China relations, referred to as “normalization,” at an official state dinner here in Washington, D.C. This momentous occasion  ̶  documented in the above photograph  ̶  was a celebration of the endeavors of all three men to put aside political differences, reflect on the nearly 200 years of collective history, and formally renew the friendship that had been equally significant for both countries. Continue